EUEW General Convention heads back to UK

EUEW General Convention heads back to UK

The 56th EUEW (European Union of Electrical Wholesalers) General Convention takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland, from 9th-11th June 2011.

Around 200 delegates (and their partners) from across Europe have registered for the event which is focused on helping the electrical wholesale community network with peers and gain insight on the latest developments to affect their industry.

A host of expert speakers will address the visiting delegates including: Trevor Williams, chief economist at Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets; Professor David Gann, head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Imperial College London; and, Steve Barker, UK head of Energy Efficiency and Environmental Care, Siemens. Together they will cover topics such as: the challenges associated with the current economic climate, the rise of smart cities and the importance of energy conservation.

In a first for the EUEW, a major portion of the convention programme will be dedicated to a real life reference – highlighting potential improvements in electrical and energy efficiency within Edinburgh Castle. Although positioned as a hypothetical case study, the presentations will be based on fact as the EUEW has worked with Historic Scotland to undertake an audit of Edinburgh Castle’s electrical installations (wiring, lighting, heating, etc) to identify areas for improvement. Each of the convention’s four sponsors (Siemens, OBO Betterman, Glen Dimplex and Philips) will present their suggestions on how the latest technologies could help to increase energy efficiency and reduce Edinburgh Castle’s carbon footprint.

Christoph Bonn, president of the EUEW, commented, ‘We are delighted to be returning to the UK and visiting Scotland for the first time in our history. We are expecting record numbers of delegates to attend so I would particularly like to extend my thanks to our hosts, the UK Electrical Distributors Association (EDA), for their help and support in arranging such a full and exciting business and social programme.’

He continued, ‘This year’s convention should be particularly interesting as we focus on one of the most instantly recognisable buildings in Europe – Edinburgh Castle. This is an unparalleled opportunity for our delegates to understand the very individual challenges associated with helping such a powerful national icon meet its energy efficiency, CO2 reduction and safety targets and obligations.’

In addition to the convention programme, a dedicated exhibition will highlight some of the latest and future developments for electrical wholesalers. Visitors will have the opportunity to:

•examine one of the latest electric vehicles – a Siemens powered Stromos city car – which will be displayed alongside the latest residential and commercial electric charging posts

•understand the concept of a smart building – thanks to a fully interactive Siemens model

•take a look at the latest energy efficient LED lighting technology and in particular its application in both historic and modern buildings

• consider how modern, alternative energy sources – such as photovoltaic (solar) panels – may be used effectively within existing buildings.